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Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords to Resign This Week

In a YouTube message to supporters, Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, who was shot a year ago at a shopping center in Tucson, announced that she will resign from congress this week to focus on her recovery.

Giffords will submit her letter of resignation later this week to House Speaker John Boehner and Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer. The governor will set the date for special primary and general elections to determine who will serve the remainder of Giffords’ term.

Before she leaves office, Giffords will finish her Congress On Your Corner event that was interrupted by a gunman on Jan. 8, 2011. In a private gathering in Tucson, Giffords will meet with some of the people who were at that event.

She will also meet and thank representatives of her advisory councils and others who have worked with her on issues of importance to her constituents.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VAetv47b-Eg[/youtube]

Transcript:

“Arizona is my home, always will be. A lot has happened over the past year. We cannot change that. But I know on the issues we fought for we can change things for the better. Jobs, border security, veterans. We can do so much more by working together. I don’t remember much from that horrible day, but I will never forget the trust you placed in me to be your voice. Thank you for your prayers and for giving me time to recover. I have more work to do on my recovery so to do what is best for Arizona I will step down this week. I’m getting better. Every day, my spirit is high. I will return and we will work together for Arizona and this great country. Thank you very much.”

“Gabby’s strength and enduring spirit are an inspiration to us all, and I will greatly miss serving with her in the House of Representatives. Her hard work and commitment to serving the greater good have forever bettered her constituents and all Americans. In particular I will miss working with her on the Armed Services Committee and the Blue Dog Coalition. As Gabby takes this time to focus on her recovery, I wish her and her family the best. And I hope Gabby will return to public service in some capacity soon – our country needs her.” –Rep. Loretta Sanchez